Discovery of armored viruses may inspire
new designs for nanotechnology

Anyone suffering from a cold knows how tough
and persistent viruses can be.

Now scientists have discovered that one type of virus actually
comes equipped with an armored coat made of interlocking rings of
protein.

The structure of this virus -- remarkably similar to chain mail
suits worn by medieval knights -- had been predicted but never directly
observed in a protein until now. Researchers say the discovery could
have applications for the booming field of nanotechnology.